If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible sweet treat that combines the lusciousness of strawberry cake with bite-sized elegance, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe. These little gems are perfect for sharing at parties, treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, or gifting to friends who could use a little delicious pick-me-up. I absolutely love how moist and flavorful they turn out, and you’ll appreciate how straightforward the process is once you get the hang of it. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can wow everyone with these darling cake truffles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You only need a few simple ingredients and steps—no fancy equipment required.
- Deliciously Moist: Combining strawberry cake mix with cream cheese makes these truffles melt in your mouth.
- Customizable Fun: You can play around with coatings and sprinkles to match any occasion.
- Perfect Bite-Size Treats: These truffles are great for portion control and snacking anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The star players here create a dreamy combo: a sweet strawberry cake base, creamy richness, and a candy-coated exterior that snaps just right. Each ingredient plays an important role, so I’ll share a few shopping tips to set you up for success.
- Strawberry Cake Mix: Betty Crocker’s mix works perfectly for that classic strawberry flavor and light texture.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly—this gives the truffles that creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese Chips: These add a little surprise texture and extra tang—don’t skip them!
- Vanilla Melting Wafers: Ghirardelli’s vanilla wafers coat the truffles beautifully and taste indulgent.
- Pink Candy Melts: Using two shades of Wilton pink candy melts lets you create pretty drizzles and decoration.
- Sprinkles (optional): Add fun colors or textures to brighten up your truffles.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Dairy-Free Version: I swapped cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative once, and it worked surprisingly well—just watch the texture as you mix.
- Flavor Twists: Mixing in a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces or a touch of vanilla extract can amp up the flavor.
- Colorful Coatings: On holidays, I like using themed candy melts or edible glitter to give a festive vibe.
- Nutty Add-ins: Chopping up some toasted almonds or pistachios and adding them inside the truffle dough adds a nice crunch.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Heat Treat Your Cake Mix Carefully
This is a step I never skip because dry cake mixes can occasionally harbor bacteria. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cake mix evenly across the sheet and bake it for just 5 minutes—this heats the mix enough without drying it out. Then, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake mix cool completely. You’ll want it fully cooled before moving on to avoid melting the cream cheese in the next step.
Step 2: Blend Cream Cheese into Cake Mix
While the cake mix cools, beat your softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. I usually use a hand mixer on medium-high speed, and it helps to scrape down the sides a couple of times. Once your cake mix is cool, fold it into the cream cheese with a rubber spatula just a few times—this keeps your counters a little less messy! Then, finish mixing with the hand mixer on medium-high until you get a perfect dough consistency.
Don’t forget to stir in those cream cheese chips evenly—they add a little texture that makes these truffles really stand out. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about two hours. This chill time is key for making the dough easier to handle later.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape Your Truffles
After chilling, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each scoop gently between your palms to form smooth balls. I learned the hard way that if you dip the truffles right after rolling, before they’ve had a chance to relax and expand, the coating tends to crack—so let them sit for about 15 minutes before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Dip in Melted Candy Coating
Set up a double boiler on low heat and melt your vanilla melting wafers until silky smooth. I prefer this method because it keeps the candy at a nice temperature without overheating. Using a fork, dip each truffle ball completely in the melted wafers, tapping off extra coating gently on the bowl’s edge, then place it back on the lined baking sheet. Space truffles about two inches apart so the coating sets evenly and they don’t stick together.
Before the coating dries, add sprinkles to half the truffles for variety. For the other half, melt your two shades of pink candy melts in separate microwave-safe piping bags, snip tiny holes in the tips, and drizzle decorative lines over the coated truffles. It’s a simple step that instantly makes them look professional.
Allow them to set completely before serving—usually about 30 minutes at room temperature does the trick.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
- Don’t Skip Heat Treating: It’s a crucial step I learned the hard way, and it keeps your truffles safe and fresh-tasting.
- Chill Thoroughly: Letting your dough chill and the formed balls rest stops cracking when you dip them—patience pays off!
- Use a Fork for Dipping: This helps get an even coating and some excess chocolate off before setting.
- Work in Small Batches: Melt wafers can thicken if left too long; keeping small batches warm and adding fresh melts is a game-changer.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping some of the truffles with pastel sprinkles—rainbow or confetti style adds a playful touch perfect for birthdays or baby showers. The drizzle of pink candy melts on others gives them a chic look that’s perfect for bridal showers and elegant coffee breaks. Sometimes I even add tiny edible pearls or freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
These truffles shine on their own but pairing them with a fresh fruit platter or a light whipped cream makes for a refreshing contrast. I’ve also served them alongside a hot cup of herbal tea or a fruity sparkling cocktail for a fun dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange these truffles in mini cupcake liners on a tiered dessert tray. Wrapping individual truffles in clear cellophane and tying them with ribbons also makes cute party favors. If you’re feeling festive, place them all in a glass jar layered with shredded tissue paper for a delicious gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These strawberry cake truffles keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find that storing them chilled helps maintain their shape and flavor, but be sure to let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature before serving for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these truffles successfully by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a zip-top bag. This way, they don’t stick together. When you want to enjoy them later, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled or at room temperature, I recommend letting frozen truffles thaw naturally in the fridge for a few hours, then sitting at room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving. Microwave reheating can ruin the coating and texture, so I avoid that.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! If you want to use a homemade strawberry cake, just make sure it’s fully cooled and crumbly—not too moist—to get the right dough consistency when mixed with cream cheese.
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What if I don’t have cream cheese chips?
No worries! You can omit them or replace with chopped white chocolate chips or freeze-dried strawberry bits for texture and pops of flavor.
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How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Chilling the dough balls well and letting them rest about 15 minutes before dipping helps. Also, using melted coatings at the right temperature prevents cracking.
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Can I make these in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can make them up to 2 days ahead and store them in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
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Why is heat treating dry cake mix necessary?
Dry cake mixes aren’t cooked, so heat treating kills any potential bacteria and makes the mix safe to eat—especially important since you’re mixing it with cream cheese and not baking the entire batter.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe has become such a go-to treat in my kitchen—easy enough to whip up on a whim, but impressive enough to serve as a charming dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into no-bake desserts, you’ll find making these truffles satisfying and the results absolutely delicious. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for that second (or third) bite!
Print
Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Strawberry Cake Truffles, a perfect bite-sized treat combining the fruity sweetness of strawberry cake with creamy cream cheese and a smooth candy coating. This easy no-bake recipe includes heat-treating the cake mix for safety, mixing it with cream cheese and chips, chilling the dough, and dipping the truffles in luscious melted candy melts for a beautiful finish. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a special snack, these truffles are colorful, fun, and decadently delicious.
Ingredients
Base
- 9.15 ounces strawberry cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
- 4.8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 0.2 cup cream cheese chips, roughly chopped
Coating
- 7.2 ounces Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers
- 0.3 cup Wilton pink candy melts
- 0.3 cup Wilton bright pink candy melts
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Heat treat the cake mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the dry cake mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat on medium-high with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy for about 2 minutes.
- Combine cake mix and cream cheese: Add the cooled cake mix to the cream cheese. Fold gently a few times with a rubber spatula to minimize flour mess, then beat with the hand mixer on medium-high speed until fully combined into a dough-like consistency.
- Add cream cheese chips: Fold in the roughly chopped cream cheese chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up the dough for easier handling.
- Form truffle balls: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough onto sheets. Roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands. Allow the balls to sit and expand for about 15 minutes before coating to prevent cracking.
- Melt vanilla coating: Prepare a double boiler over low heat and melt the vanilla melting wafers gently, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring after each, to avoid overheating.
- Dip the truffles: Using a fork, dip each ball fully into the melted vanilla wafers, tapping the fork on the edge to shed excess coating. Place coated balls on the lined baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart.
- Add sprinkles: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle your choice of sprinkles on half of the coated truffles for decoration.
- Melt pink candy melts: Place the pink and bright pink candy melts separately into microwave-safe piping bags. Microwave on low until melted and smooth. Snip a small tip off each bag.
- Drizzle decoration: Drizzle the melted pink candy melts over the remaining truffles to add colorful finishing touches.
- Set and serve: Allow all truffles to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy these charming and delicious strawberry cake truffles!
Notes
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier rolling and to prevent cracking of the coating after dipping.
- Allow rolled balls to sit for 15 minutes before dipping to let them expand and reduce cracking risk.
- If you prefer not to heat treat the cake mix in the oven, you can heat treat it in the microwave by stirring every 30 seconds for 3 minutes to ensure even heating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg